Goundar Shipping urges PM to intervene in fast ferry detention

A local shipping company has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to urgently intervene in the prolonged detention of a fast ferry in its fleet.

One year later, Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) says it continues to wait for approval to operate its newest fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, 

The company claims it had legally purchased the vessel and met all required technical and safety standards.

However, it remains unable to operate more than a year after its arrival.

In a media statement last night, GSL stated that the delay had caused significant financial losses and undermined confidence in Fiji’s maritime regulatory system.

“We call upon the Honourable Prime Minister of Fiji to urgently intervene in what appears to be a serious injustice affecting investors, maritime stakeholders, and the people of Fiji,” the company stated.

“As Prime Minister, you understand shipping and vessel ownership. Vessels are purchased to improve services, enhance connectivity, and contribute to economic growth—not to sit idle at a jetty costing owners thousands of dollars each month.”

The company said no clear, written, or lawful justification has been provided by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) for the continued detention of the vessel, raising concerns about possible abuse of discretionary power, negligence, or interference driven by non-technical considerations.

It warned the situation sends a negative signal to local and international investors, who may question whether approvals in Fiji are governed by law and technical standards or influenced by internal conflicts, personal relationships, or political considerations.

The company also alleged misconduct by a senior MSAF manager, claiming key documents relating to the ferry’s vetting were retained for months before being reported missing.

Questions were raised over the official’s involvement in overseas vessel inspections, despite his role reportedly being compliance-based rather than inspection-based.

The statement also cited perceptions of nepotism and corruption, calling for an independent investigation and stating that internal reviews by the line ministry are no longer credible.

GSL also challenged the Minister for Transport to publicly explain the legal basis for the continued non-approval of the vessel and clarify what inspection regime applies to other vessels awaiting entry into Fiji.

The company warned that continued delays could expose the State to legal action, compensation claims, and judicial review, while public funds continue to be wasted through inaction.

“The people of Fiji deserve transparent leadership, lawful decision-making, and equal treatment under the law,” the statement said, adding that justice delayed is justice denied.